Alligator found in Henderson restaurant drive-thru

HENDERSON — An 8 1/2-foot alligator was found in the drive-thru of Jucy’s Taco just in front of Willow Lake in Henderson. Brian Bathke, the support services captain with the Henderson Police Department, said that a call came in early Wednesday morning, likely from a customer. Officials set up a rough perimeter around the area to keep people back, but Bathke said roughly 20-25 people gathered around to film the animal’s capture. He said in an interview with our news partner KETK that it was a “very exciting” morning and his first gator call in 25 years.

The alligator will be taken to an undisclosed location, which is standard procedure. If anyone in East Texas spots an alligator in a residential area, Bathke said there is nothing wrong with calling 911. He also suggested calling for a game warden or animal control.